As we have already told you, a new program of visiting ill people has appeared
in Hesed "Polina". It is called "Mevaker Helim". The most
important thing for ill people is not to feel lonely and disconnected from the
outer world.
The idea of "Mevaker Helim" belongs a member of Almaty
Jewish community Meylah Zafran. He has recently visited Israel, where he saw
a suchlike program functioning. Having come back, he offered to gather a volunteer
team that would visit patients.
A
special seminar for the volunteers who participate in the program has been conducted
in Almaty Hesed. The training began with a film about the similar program "Homecare".
Then the directors of Hesed, the Republican Jewish Library, and "Homecare"
service told the participants about the way the new program can help the community.
Lectures of a psychologist Irina Zaltsman also gave the listeners much interesting
information.
The main aim of the seminar is to help the volunteers to find an
approach to the clients. "Mevaker Helim" staff must understand what
role they will play in the clients' recovery.
Together with the clients they will read books and newspapers, and
discuss the latest news. They will socialize not only at home, but also by phone,
according to the client's wish.
"Remember, that we save not from an illness, but from loneliness" -
the teachers say to the volunteers. And we add: "Good luck!"
Nadezhda Murzova
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